5a. Practice Tests</p>
<p>A ridiculous amount of practice is the best way to improve on the SAT. Period. Reading prep books, guides, or surfing College Confidential will definitely be beneficial and I would argue even crucial, but the best way to properly train yourself for the SAT is through practice.</p>
<p>Generally, I recommend taking a complete SAT every Saturday each week before the actual test. The purpose of this is to give you a chance to practice and familiarize yourself with the content of the test. It is also a good way to track your progress and designate an appropriate goal.</p>
<p>However, where do you find said practice tests? The best source of course is the Official SAT Study Guide, by College Board. The book contains ten practice tests, three of which were actually administered. Some people advise saving the three “real” tests for last, but I don’t think this is necessary given that all of the tests are accurate representations of the real thing. Another source of practice tests is of course the online SAT course offered by College Board, where you will find another ten tests. Then there is the SAT booklet (which can typically be found in your guidance office) where you will find another test, bringing the total to 21 tests. Finally, you can find links to two more past SAT booklets online at College Confidential. This makes a total of 23 practice tests, enough for almost anyone. Here is a concise list of the sources listed above:</p>
<p>• Blue Book – 10
• Online course – 10
• SAT Booklet – 1
• Old Booklets, links online – 2</p>
<p>But what if you need more? What if you have to retake and spend a few more months studying? At this point, running out of SAT’s becomes a serious problem. You can resort to practice tests made by testing companies, but these are often imperfect representations of the real thing. Here is a list of additional sources where you can scrounge up a few more practice “tests.” </p>
<p>1) Buy the old “Red Book.” This is an idea that I first came across in Xiggi’s SAT prep. The SAT was updated around 2005, making the guide to the old SAT with only two subjects (verbal and math) obsolete. However, the math and parts of the verbal sections are very similar to the current one, and can still be used. However, I have never tried this technique.</p>
<p>2) PSAT’s. There is a PSAT booklet that may be of some use, but most people have likely already used it. I’ve heard that College Board sells past PSAT’s, but I haven’t been able to confirm this. Although many say the PSAT is easier content-wise, it still is fairly similar in my opinion.</p>
<p>3) And then of course there are the QAS’s. Students can choose to order the question answer service, which is essentially a copy of the test taken. However, the exchange of QAS’s is frowned upon by College Board, to say the least.</p>
<p>4) If necessary, use the tests made by other companies. Generally, Princeton Review is regarded as being fairly good, though a bit more difficult. Kaplan isn’t good, and in fact copies many of the tests found in the Blue Book. The McGraw-Hill tests, I’ve found, are too easy. You’ll have to look through College Confidential to see what other people think of the other companies.